MAGIC IN THE AIR - THE FRONT ROW MAGIC ROUND 2022 - THREE DAYS. EIGHT GAMES. ONE VENUE. WELCOME TO NRL MAGIC ROUND! - League Unlimited
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THE FRONT ROW MAGIC ROUND 2022
NRL ROUND 10 VOLUME 3 · ISSUE 12
CAN THE STORM MATCH THE
1935 EASTERN SUBRUBS TEAM?
TOP OF THE TABLE BLOCKBUSTER
MAGIC IN THE AIR
THREE DAYS. EIGHT GAMES. ONE VENUE. WELCOME TO NRL MAGIC ROUND!
LEAGUEUNLIMITED.COM
AUSTRALIA’S LEADING INDEPENDENT
RUGBY LEAGUE WEBSITE
T H E R E I S N O O F F-S E A S O N
2 | LEAGUEUNLIMITED.COM | THE FRONT ROW | VOL 3 ISSUE 12
IN THE MAG
WHAT'S INSIDE
THE EDITOR'S
TIM COSTELLO
WORD
THE FRONT ROW VOLUME 3 ISSUE 12
How good is Magic Round?
THE EDITOR'S WORD 3 By all accounts, the carnival atmosphere, so many footy fans all in one
MAGIC ROUND: QUICK GUIDE 4 place, and yes - the quality of the footy on show - will keep drawing
people to this event for years to come.
LU'S PLAYER OF THE YEAR STANDINGS 5
While there's already chatter about where the round might end up in
MELBOURNE 2022 v EASTS 1935: POINTS APLENTY 6-7 future years, there's no doubting the success of the event in Brisbane
so far - and if ticket sales are anything to go by, this weekend will be no
NRL ROUND 9 WRAP 8-11 different. Read on over the page for a quick snapshot of what to expect.
THE PROGRAMME: NRL ROUND 10 12-29 Further in we have analysis from Andrew Ferguson showing
NRL LADDER & STATS LEADERS 13 Melbourne's phenomenal pointscoring feats so far in 2022 and how the
side compares to the Dave Brown-led 1935 Easts side.
FRIDAY CANTERBURY v NEWCASTLE 14-15
Enjoy the festivities and happy reading.
MANLY v BRISBANE 16-17
SATURDAY WARRIORS v SOUTHS 18-19
GOLD COAST v ST GEO ILLA 20-21
SUNDAY
MELBOURNE v PENRITH
CRONULLA v CANBERRA
22-23
24-25
THE FRONT ROW
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
SYDNEY v PARRAMATTA 26-27 We’d like to thank RugbyLeagueProject.org for their support and use of various statistics
throughout this publication.
WESTS TIGERS v NORTH QLD 28-29
Interested in advertising with The Front Row or LeagueUnlimited.com, or just want to
NSWRL TEAMLISTS & RESULTS 30-31 provide feedback? Contact us by email - media@leagueunlimited.com
Magazine content originally appears on LeagueUnlimited.com © 2022.
QRL TEAMLISTS & RESULTS 32-33
UK WATCH 33 MANAGERS Steven Williams & Coby Delaney
EDITOR Tim Costello
NRL 2022 DRAW 34 CONTRIBUTORS Andrew Ferguson
Rob Crosby
Josh Robertson
The Biggest Tiger
Adam Huxtable
Lachlan McIntyre
Lachy MacCorquodale
AJ Lucantonio
Justin Davies
Andrew Jackson
Jason Hosken
Emile El-Azar
LEAGUEUNLIMITED.COM | THE FRONT ROW | VOL 3 ISSUE 12 | 3
MAGICINTHEAIR
YOUR QUICK GUIDE TO BRISBANE'S MASSIVE WEEKEND OF FOOTY!
W
elcome to Magic Round Brisbane! Eight games in three days awaits as Suncorp Stadium plays host to the
tenth round of the 2022 NRL season.
The concept - borrowed from the English Super League the exterior of the ground, while a range of activations
who began the concept of 'Magic Weekend' back in including exclusive seating areas will be available
2007 - had its first iteration in Australia in 2019 when inside. A full event guide is available on the NRL
Brisbane hosted Magic Round. After the COVID-19 website.
pandemic sunk hopes to hold the event in 2020, the
round came back with a vengeance in 2021, bringing a
huge weekend of action to the Queensland capital. THE HISTORY
2019's inaugural event was held over four days - a
Thursday match attracted a small crowd involving the
THE SCHEDULE Titans, then crowds of 41,000 piled in on Friday and
The Bulldogs and Knights kick off action at 6pm on Saturday before 34,500 finished the round on Sunday,
Friday, followed by the Sea Eagles and Broncos to making a 134,677 aggregate crowd for the weekend.
round out opening night.
On Saturday, the Warriors and Rabbitohs get things After skipping 2020 due to the pandemic, 2021's event
going at 3pm, with Gold Coast v St George Illawarra was reduced to three days, with Friday attracting
wedged in the middle at 5:30pm, finishing up with 41,367 fans, Saturday 45,122 and Sunday 43,537 for an
a mouth-watering showdown between the last two total event crowd of more than 130,000.
premiers - Melbourne and Penrith - as the 7:45pm
nightcap.
With Saturday already sold out and limited tickets
Sunday's triple header gets underway at 1:50pm, the available for Friday and Sunday, 2022 Magic Round is
Sharks and Raiders first up. The Roosters and Eels are set to break all kinds of records.
Sunday's free-to-air match at 4:05pm before the Wests
Tigers and Cowboys close proceedings at 6:25pm.
STILL TO COME...
The NRL still has a few themed rounds ahead:
THE FUN AND GAMES • R12: Indigenous Round - 26-29 May
There'll be plenty to do both inside and outside Suncorp • R16: Beanies for Brain Cancer Round - 30 Jun-3 Jul
Stadium throughout the weekend. Kids Zones, Chill • R20: Women in League Round - 28-31 Jul
Zones, Food Trucks and Bars will all be available on
4 | LEAGUEUNLIMITED.COM | THE FRONT ROW | VOL 3 ISSUE 12
LU PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Reuben Cotter (Cowboys), Sam Walker (Roosters), Viliame Kikau (Panthers), Ronaldo
Mulitalo (Sharks)
AFTER NRL ROUND 9 3 points - Josh Addo-Carr (Bulldogs), Tom Gilbert (Cowboys), Mikaele Ravalawa (Dragons),
Will Kennedy (Sharks), Chad Townsend (Cowboys), Daejarn Asi (Cowboys), Moses Suli
15 points - Daly Cherry-Evans (Sea Eagles) (Dragons), Stephen Crichton (Panthers), Matt Frawley (Raiders), Sean O'Sullivan (Panthers),
14 points - Cameron Munster (Storm) Siosiua Taukeiaho (Roosters), Jesse Ramien (Sharks), Herbie Farnworth (Broncos), Keaon
12 points - Nicho Hynes (Sharks) Koloamatangi (Rabbitohs), Haumole Olakau'atu (Sea Eagles), Luke Keary (Roosters), Albert
11 points - Mitchell Moses (Eels) Kelly (Broncos)
10 points - Jahrome Hughes (Storm)
9 points - Ben Hunt (Dragons), Ryan Papenhuyzen (Storm) 2 points - Martin Taupau (Sea Eagles), Isaiah Papali'i (Eels), Kyle Feldt (Cowboys), Lachlan
Ilias (Rabbitohs), Liam Knight (Rabbitohs), Luke Brooks (Wests Tigers), Selwyn Cobbo
8 points - Joseph Manu (Roosters), Jackson Hastings (Wests Tigers), AJ Brimson (Broncos), Dale Finucane (Sharks), Kalyn Ponga (Knights), Reece Walsh (Warriors), Thomas
(Titans), Isaah Yeo (Panthers) Burgess (Rabbitohs), Josh Papali'i (Raiders), Dylan Brown (Eels), Joseph Tapine (Raiders),
Tom Trbojevic (Sea Eagles), Tyson Frizell (Knights), Adam Elliott (Raiders), Patrick Carrigan
7 points - Siosifa Talakai (Sharks), James Tedesco (Roosters), Payne Haas (Broncos), Harry (Broncos), Jeremy Marshall-King (Bulldogs), Izack Tago (Panthers), Jaydn Su'A (Dragons),
Grant (Storm) Blayke Brailey (Sharks), Kodi Nikorima (Warriors), Jai Arrow (Rabbitohs), Luke Thompson
(Bulldogs), Dylan Walker (Sea Eagles), Greg Marzhew (Titans), Ken Maumalo (Wests Tigers),
6 points - Jarome Luai (Panthers), Clinton Gutherson (Eels), Nathan Cleary (Panthers), Dylan Luke Garner (Wests Tigers), Tyrell Sloan (Dragons), Luciano Leilua (Wests Tigers), Phillip
Edwards (Panthers), Addin Fonua-Blake (Warriors), Damien Cook (Rabbitohs), Jack Wighton Sami (Titans), Nick Meaney (Storm), Matt Moylan (Sharks)
(Raiders), Josh Curran (Warriors)
1 point - Ben Trbojevic (Sea Eagles), Josh Mcguire (Dragons), Cameron McInnes (Sharks),
5 points - Kotoni Staggs (Broncos), Tino Fa'asuamaleaui (Titans), Peta Hiku (Cowboys), Scott Cody Walker (Rabbitohs), Teig Wilton (Sharks), Matt Burton (Bulldogs), Kelma Tuilagi (Wests
Drinkwater (Cowboys), Shaun Johnson (Warriors), Kieran Foran (Sea Eagles), Valentine Tigers), Jock Madden (Wests Tigers), Nathan Brown (Eels), Matthew Timoko (Raiders), Corey
Holmes (Cowboys), Jeremiah Nanai (Cowboys), Adam Reynolds (Broncos), Cameron Murray Waddell (Bulldogs), Latrell Mitchell (Rabbitohs), Hudson Young (Raiders), Dominic Young
(Rabbitohs), Jake Clifford (Knights) (Knights), Max King (Bulldogs), Tom Dearden (Cowboys), Matt Dufty (Bulldogs), Reagan
Campbell-Gillard (Eels), Matt Eisenhuth (Panthers), David Nofoaluma (Wests Tigers), Nelson
4 points - Jason Taumalolo (Cowboys), Junior Paulo (Eels), Dane Gagai (Knights), Kurt Asofa-Solomona (Storm), Xavier Coates (Storm), Aiden Tolman (Sharks), Marcelo Montoya
Capewell (Broncos), Liam Martin (Panthers), Reed Mahoney (Eels), Taylan May (Panthers), (Warriors), Josh Aloiai (Sea Eagles), Shaun Lane (Eels)
1 v 2. 2021 CHAMPS v 2020 CHAMPS. CLEARY v MUNSTER. PENRITH v MELBOURNE IS SET TO IGNITE MAGIC ROUND ON SATURDAY.
ILLUSTRATION BY THEBIGGESTTIGER
LEAGUEUNLIMITED.COM | THE FRONT ROW | VOL 3 ISSUE 12 | 5
The new 'Don Bradman' side? ARE MELBOURNE ON TRACK TO BE THE NEW 'EASTS OF 1935'? ANDREW FERGUSON Last weekend the Melbourne Storm produced yet another thumping victory, which saw them reach 335 points scored for the year thus far after just 9 games. Any major point scoring proficiency by a team will automatically bring out the comparisons against the Don Bradman of teams – the 1935 Eastern Suburbs side, which contained Immortal Dave Brown. That Easts side scored 599 points after 16 Regular Season games – scoring at an absurd 37.44 points per game – in a time when tries were worth 3 points. In fact, if that 1935 side had 4 point tries, they would’ve scored 730 points in the regular season at a ridiculous 45.6 points per game! Last years Melbourne Storm side came very close to being the first side to outscore the 1935 Easts outfit, but alas they fell 15 points shy of the mark. In 2022 though, they are tracking to become the greatest attacking side ever! This chart shows the 4 greatest scoring teams in the NRL history – Easts (1935), Parramatta (2001), Melbourne (2021) and Souths (2021) and compares them with the 2022 Storm side. -->
When you look at the same chart for
the current season, you find that the
Melbourne Storm have current scored at
least twice as many points than 8 of the
other 15 sides. -->
ILLUSTRATION BY THEBIGGESTTIGER
Now while we are talking about Bradman, we cannot ignore the
‘Bradman of League’ himself, Dave Brown. In 1935, Brown scored 38
tries (still a Premiership record for most tries in a season) and 65
goals for 244 points in just 15 games. That’s over 16 points per game!
Ryan Papenhuyzen this year is currently scoring at a rate of 14
points per game, however after both men had played 9 games each
in their respective season, Papenhuyzen is clearly ahead. Brown
though had a few games in the back end of the 1935 season where
he piled on points, which will make it hard for Papenhuyzen to keep
in touch, let alone stay in front - especially with 'Paps' missing the
coming month with hamstring and PCL injuries.
But can the Storm keep up the momentum and
become the new Don Bradman side?
The 1935 Easts side had 4 of their remaining
7 games producing scores of 40 points or
more – giving them 8 40+ scores from their 16
Premiership games (1 x 80’s, 2 x 60’s, 3 x 50’s, 2
x 40’s).
The Storm have 3 tough games in a row, starting
at Magic Round this weekend when they take
on joint ladder leaders and defending Premiers
Penrith. Next week they take on the high-flying
Cowboys in Townsville before playing rivals
Manly in Round 12. Then comes the Origin period
with a continuation of tough games, with depleted squads, against the Sydney Roosters, Brisbane, Manly (again) and the 4th place
Cronulla Sharks. This period could very likely see their scoring rate quickly get reeled in.
After Origin though, they play the currently out-of-form Canberra, the indifferent Souths, a poor-performing Warriors side and an
erratic Titans outfit, before a tricky run home against Penrith, Brisbane, Sydney and Parramatta.
It looks unlikely that they will be able to continue this incredible scoring rate for the remainder of the season. But we will just
have to wait and see!
LEAGUEUNLIMITED.COM | THE FRONT ROW | VOL 3 ISSUE 12 | 7
THE WRAP NRL 2022 ROUND 9
THURSDAY 5 MAY, 7:50PM FRIDAY 6 MAY, 6:00PM
BRISBANE 32 SOUTH SYDNEY 12 CANBERRA 14 CANTERBURY-BANKSTOWN 4
SCORERS SCORERS
BRISBANE BRONCOS (32) Tries: Corey Oates, Adam Reynolds, Selwyn Cobbo (2), Herbie CANBERRA RAIDERS (14) Tries: Elliott Whitehead, Matt Frawley; Conversions: Jarrod Croker (1/2);
Farnworth; Conversions: Adam Reynolds (5/5); Penalty Goals: Adam Reynolds (1/1) def SOUTH Penalty Goals: Jarrod Croker (2/2) def CANTERBURY-BANKSTOWN BULLDOGS (4) Tries: Matt Burton;
SYDNEY RABBITOHS (12) Tries: Taane Milne (2); Conversions: Blake Taaffe (2/2) Conversions: Matt Burton (0/1)
MATCH INFORMATION MATCH INFORMATION
Venue: Accor Stadium; Crowd: 9242; Halftime Score: South Sydney 6 Brisbane 12; Venue: GIO Stadium Canberra; Crowd: 12890; Halftime Score: Canberra 10 Canterbury-Bankstown 0;
LeagueUnlimited.com Players of the Match: 3 points - Adam Reynolds, 2 points - Patrick LeagueUnlimited.com Players of the Match: 3 points - Matt Frawley, 2 points - Adam Elliott, 1 points
Carrigan, 1 points - Selwyn Cobbo - Matt Burton
FINAL TEAMLISTS FINAL TEAMLISTS
SOUTHS: 1. Blake Taaffe 2. Alex Johnston 3. Isaiah Tass 4. Campbell Graham CANBERRA: 1. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad 2. Nick Cotric 3. Jarrod Croker 4. Matthew
19. Taane Milne 6. Cody Walker 7. Lachlan Ilias 8. Tevita Tatola 9. Damien Timoko 5. Jordan Rapana 6. Matt Frawley 7. Brad Schneider 8. Josh Papali'i 9.
Cook 24. Davvy Moale 11. Keaon Koloamatangi 12. Jai Arrow 13. Cameron Adam Elliott 10. Joseph Tapine 11. Hudson Young 12. Elliott Whitehead 15. Corey
Murray Harawira-Naera
INTERCHANGE 14. Siliva Havili 16. Liam Knight 17. Jaxson Paulo 18. Trent INTERCHANGE 13. Ryan Sutton 14. Tom Starling 16. Sebastian Kris 17. Corey
Peoples 18TH PLAYER 21. Peter Mamouzelos Horsburgh 18TH PLAYER 18. Harry Rushton
BRISBANE: 1. Te Maire Martin 2. Corey Oates 3. Kotoni Staggs 4. Herbie CANTERBURY: 1. Matt Dufty 2. Brent Naden 3. Aaron Schoupp 4. Jake Averillo
Farnworth 5. Selwyn Cobbo 6. Tyson Gamble 7. Adam Reynolds 8. Corey 5. Josh Addo-Carr 6. Matt Burton 7. Kyle Flanagan 8. Luke Thompson 9. Jeremy
Jensen 9. Billy Walters 10. Patrick Carrigan 11. TC Robati 12. Jordan Riki Marshall-King 10. Paul Vaughan 11. Corey Waddell 12. Tevita Pangai Junior 13.
13. Kobe Hetherington Josh Jackson
INTERCHANGE 14. Cory Paix 15. Rhys Kennedy 16. Thomas Flegler 17. INTERCHANGE 14. Bailey Biondi-Odo 15. Joe Stimson 16. Max King 17. Ava
Keenan Palasia 18TH PLAYER 18. Brenko Lee Seumanufagai 18TH PLAYER 23. Jayden Okunbor
REYNOLDS RETURNS IN STYLE AS BRONCOS BURST BUNNIES' RAIDERS SNAP LOSING STREAK WITH GRITTY WIN OVER BULLDOGS
BUBBLE The Canberra Raiders are back in the winners circle for the first time in five weeks, taking advantage
of a lion's share of possession to see themselves to a 10-point victory over the Canterbury-Bankstown
Lachlan Ilias will only continue to improve and in the long-term, the decision to part ways with Bulldogs at GIO Stadium.
Adam Reynolds may have been the right one.
The first half was an incredibly one-sided affair, with plenty of Bulldogs errors gifting the Raiders
But all we can judge South Sydney on is what we see now - and that is a team in desperate enough field position to win five matches. The Canterbury defence held firm however, forcing Nick Cotric
need of a cool head in the halves. Unfortunately for last year's grand finalists, that cool head to commit a double movement.
was on the other side of the field, guiding the Brisbane Broncos to a 32-12 upset win at Accor
Stadium on Thursday night. It looked as if the Bulldogs would somehow get themselves on the board first in the resultant set, with
Matt Burton getting through the line far too easily before linking up with Josh Addo-Carr in support,
Reynolds had his hand - and boot - in everything, setting up two tries, scoring one and kicking who cruised to the line. The try was awarded, but the bunker intervened and correctly ruled that Corey
for over 500 metres in a masterclass. All the talk head into Thursday night's meeting between Waddell obstructed Adam Elliott in the lead-up.
the Rabbitohs and Broncos was about him. Reynolds has said all the right things throughout
the week, that this was "just another game", that coming up against his former teammates The call gave the Raiders yet another set on the Bulldogs line, and this time they took full advantage,
"doesn't really matter". But when the Broncos halfback surged onto a Patrick Carrigan offload with English back-rower Elliott Whitehead winding up from 15 metres out to cruise past Aaron Schoupp
to score under the posts, you could just see it in the way Reynolds celebrated, the way he beat on his way to the line. The conversion attempt from Croker was unsuccessful, making it a 4-0 ballgame
his chest. after 20 minutes.
Sure, this was never just about Reynolds but it meant just a bit more than "just another game". The Bulldogs turned in some strong defensive efforts and were able to win back some field position, but
You could see it from the opening set of the game, when Reynolds touched the ball on almost a poor pass from Flanagan to Naden in the 31st minute relieved all the pressure.
every play, stamping his authority on the occasion early. It was not just Reynolds though.
The entire Broncos team lifted around him, upping the intensity in defence to hold a usually In the ensuing set, Matt Frawley was able to take advantage of some pathetically soft Bulldogs defence.
lethal South Sydney side to just one try in the first half. Kobe Hetherington was in the thick First, he took on the Dogs front-line, easing his way past Jeremy Marshall-King, before selling Matt Dufty
of it, with try-saving plays to force errors from both Cameron Murray and Jai Arrow while a a dummy to no one, and he was over the line virtually untouched from 20-odd metres out.
last-ditch effort from Herbie Farnworth saw Taane Milne spill the ball with the line in sight.
And those efforts in defence were rewarded on the scoreboard, with Reynolds putting the ball The Raiders would take a 10-0 lead into the break, but their fans were far from confident considering the
in the air for winger Corey Oates, who came down with it to score the opening try in the 14th club's recent history of squandering half-time advantages.
minute. Reynolds then took it upon himself to score off the Carrigan offload and give Brisbane
a commanding 12-0 lead. For a while in the second half, it appeared Raiders fans' nightmares were materialising once again. They
had the bulk of possession and field position from the 40th-50th minute, but were only able to put two
South Sydney eventually capitalised on poor ball security from Brisbane late as a well- points on the board courtesy of a penalty goal.
executed scrum play saw Milne go over in the 38th minute. But execution was lacking for
the Rabbitohs otherwise throughout Thursday night, with Cody Walker and Damien Cook Five minutes later the Raiders forced a dropout, and with 25 minutes to go it appeared they were finally
both coming up with errors early in the second half. The Broncos then re-established their closing out a match in mature fashion. However, Burton went short on the drop kick and it was recovered
lead as Selwyn Cobbo pounced after Blake Taaffe fumbled a Reynolds kick. An error from by Naden. Two tackles later, Burton put in an early kick for Addo-Carr, who gathered in the ball and put
Brisbane fullback Te Maire Martin invited South Sydney back into the contest though and the in another kick that was again recovered by the Dogs, who all of a sudden were only 10 metres away
Rabbitohs took full advantage, with Milne grabbing his second. Fortunately for the Broncos, from the Raiders line and looking dangerous.
the Rabbitohs relinquished any momentum it had gained with that try as Tevita Tatola coughed
it up off the restart and a penalty then saw Reynolds extend the lead to eight. When Matt Burton muscled his way over in that same set, even the most staunch Raiders fan was
dreading the next 20 minutes.
Reynolds was at it again moments later, passing to Oates off a scrum as the winger burst
through a few tackles and then linked with Herbie Farnworth to set up Brisbane's fourth try Five minutes later, the defining moment of the match came when Addo-Carr was unable to ground
of the night. Reynolds' ghost did not just haunt the Rabbitohs when he was setting up tries for Burton's kick in the in-goal area, instead knocking it on. It proved to be an 8-point turnaround when the
the opposition team. It lingered every time a pass went to ground, when those left-side raids next Raiders possession resulted in another penalty goal, giving us the eventual final scoreline of 14-4.
South Sydney made so lethal instead broke down and went awry. Like it did when Walker JUSTIN DAVIES
coughed it up in the 74th minute and this time it led directly to points as Cobbo sprinted away
to seal the win in emphatic fashion. ANDREW JACKSON
8 | LEAGUEUNLIMITED.COM | THE FRONT ROW | VOL 3 ISSUE 12
FRIDAY 6 MAY, 7:55PM SATURDAY 7 MAY, 3:00PM
PARRAMATTA 22 PENRITH 20 MANLY-WARRINGAH 36 WESTS TIGERS 22
SCORERS SCORERS
PARRAMATTA EELS (22) Tries: Clinton Gutherson, Reed Mahoney, Ryan Matterson, Dylan MANLY-WARRINGAH SEA EAGLES (36) Tries: Ben Trbojevic (2), Reuben Garrick (2), Christian Tuipulotu,
Brown; Conversions: Mitchell Moses (3/4) def PENRITH PANTHERS (20) Tries: Dylan Edwards, Daly Cherry-Evans, Josh Aloiai; Conversions: Reuben Garrick (4/7) def WESTS TIGERS (22) Tries: Luke
Taylan May (2), Spencer Leniu; Two Point Field Goals: Nathan Cleary (0/1); Conversions: Nathan Garner, Tyrone Peachey, Oliver Gildart, Joe Ofahengaue; Conversions: Jackson Hastings (3/4)
Cleary (2/4)
MATCH INFORMATION MATCH INFORMATION
Venue: BlueBet Stadium; Crowd: 21548; Halftime Score: Penrith 10 Parramatta 10; Venue: 4 Pines Park; Crowd: 17385; Halftime Score: Manly-Warringah 14 Wests Tigers 0;
LeagueUnlimited.com Players of the Match: 3 points - Clinton Gutherson, 2 points - Reed LeagueUnlimited.com Players of the Match: 3 points - Daly Cherry-Evans, 2 points - Luke Garner, 1
Mahoney, 1 points - Viliame Kikau points - Ben Trbojevic
FINAL TEAMLISTS FINAL TEAMLISTS
PENRITH: 1. Dylan Edwards 24. Brian To'o 3. Izack Tago 4. Stephen Crichton MANLY: 1. Tom Trbojevic 2. Christian Tuipulotu 19. Morgan Harper 4. Tolutau Koula
5. Taylan May 6. Jarome Luai 7. Nathan Cleary 22. Moses Leota 9. Apisai 5. Reuben Garrick 6. Kieran Foran 7. Daly Cherry-Evans 8. Sean Keppie 9. Lachlan
Koroisau 10. James Fisher-Harris 11. Viliame Kikau 12. Liam Martin 13. Isaah Croker 16. Josh Aloiai 3. Ben Trbojevic 15. Ethan Bullemor 13. Jake Trbojevic
Yeo INTERCHANGE 10. Martin Taupau 14. Dylan Walker 17. Toafofoa Sipley 18. Kurt De
INTERCHANGE 8. Matt Eisenhuth 16. Spencer Leniu 17. Jaeman Salmon 23. Luis 18TH PLAYER 20. Kaeo Weekes
Mitch Kenny 18TH PLAYER 2. Charlie Staines
PARRAMATTA: 1. Clinton Gutherson 2. Hayze Perham 3. Viliami Penisini WESTS TIGERS: 1. Starford To'a 2. Asu Kepaoa 3. Oliver Gildart 4. Luke Garner 5.
4. Tom Opacic 5. Bailey Simonsson 6. Dylan Brown 7. Mitchell Moses 8. Ken Maumalo 6. Luke Brooks 7. Jackson Hastings 8. James Tamou 9. Jake Simpkin
Reagan Campbell-Gillard 9. Reed Mahoney 10. Junior Paulo 11. Shaun Lane 10. Zane Musgrove 11. Kelma Tuilagi 12. Alex Seyfarth 13. Joe Ofahengaue
12. Isaiah Papali'i 13. Nathan Brown INTERCHANGE 14. Tyrone Peachey 15. Alex Twal 16. Thomas Mikaele 17. Stefano
INTERCHANGE 14. Makahesi Makatoa 15. Ryan Matterson 16. Oregon Utoikamanu 18TH PLAYER 19. Jock Madden
Kaufusi 17. Bryce Cartwright 18TH PLAYER 18. Wiremu Greig
MISSION IMPOSSIBLE: EELS TOO SLIPPERY FOR PANTHERS MANLY TAKE COMFORTABLE WIN OVER SPIRITED TIGERS AT SOLD
The Parramatta Eels become the first side since Canberra in July 2019 to defeat the Penrith OUT BROOKVALE
Panthers at BlueBet Stadium downing their arch-rivals 22-20 in an absolute thriller and
submitting Penrith to their first loss of the season. Playing in front of their biggest home crowd in eight years, the Manly Sea Eagles have left the
Brookvale faithful happy following their 36-22 victory over a spirited Wests Tigers side.
Penrith had all of the early possession and it took a Hayze Perham error for the first points
to come. Dylan Edwards burrowed over after clever lead-up work from Api Koroisau and with Things didn't start well for the Tigers as Daly Cherry-Evans opening kick off was regathered by the
Cleary's conversion, Penrith enjoyed an early 6-0 lead. However, Parramatta was quick to Sea Eagles who dominated field position and territory throughout the opening ten minutes. The Tigers
rebound and settle into the arm-wrestle, un-nerving the Penrith side through the resounding thought they had weathered the storm and through the opening twenty-five minutes when it looked
defence from their big forwards in Paulo and Papali'i. With repeated sets through poor Penrith as if they had opened the scoring only for it to be knocked back overturned by the bunker for an
discipline, a clever blindside play from Will Penisini and Clint Gutherson saw the captain cross obstruction.
for the Eels.
The bright moment for the Tigers didn't last as the Sea Eagles were able to get momentum and just
This game was full of controversy late in the opening 40 and the game's first contentious over a minute later, the Sea Eagles were able to open the scoring when Ben Trbojevic got his way over
moment when Reed Mahoney appeared to be tackled short of the line. Bunker official Ashley the line after Manly were able to get a quick play the ball to create space.
Klein ruled that Mahoney was taken off the ball by Jaeman Salmon and due to Dylan Edwards
committing to the tackled player and the gap presented, the bunker awarded a penalty try. Discipline issues were hurting the Tigers and referee Adam Gee had reached his limit as the Tigers
With the chip shot from in front, Moses converted and the Eels had a 10-6 lead. gave away one penalty too many and Stefano Utoikamanu was sent to the sin bin. The Sea Eagles
took advantage of the extra man as Reuben Garrick scored out wide but failed to convert his own try.
Penrith thought they levelled up almost immediately when Brian To'o crossed but the bunker
took it off the board citing obstruction on Dylan Brown. Penrith had its own contentious The Sea Eagles added a third try on the stroke of half time, again using the advantage of the extra
moment when Villiame Kikau appeared to knock the ball on but was missed by both the referee man when Christian Tuipulotu scored out wide after the Tigers defence was caught short. Garrick
and the sideline official. Off the ensuing Cleary linebreak, Penrith shifted it left and Kikau put added his first conversion of the afternoon to give the home side a 14-0 lead at the break.
it on the boot and Taylan May continued his purple patch of form to cross and level the scores
at half-time. Daly Cherry-Evans showed he is still one of the best halves in the competition when he was put into
open space by Tolutau Kouala and DCE raced away, putting on the moves on Starford To'a beating him
Parramatta struggled coming out of the break, continuously being held inside Parramatta's all ends up to score. Garrick's poor day with the boot continued as he missed the conversion.
end. The game's turning point was a Kikau charge down which allowed Penrith to be camped
inside the Parramatta 20. Off the back of the possession, Kikau again turned provider and May The Tigers spirit was going to keep them in the contest and it was a solo effort from Luke Garner that
crossed for his second. History showed that Penrith would run on a succession of points, but got them back into the contest. Jackson Hastings conversion from out wide closed the gap to just 12
you never discount Parramatta in season 2022. points.
When the possession count swung back to the Eels, Gutherson again turned provider and It was second time lucky for the Tigers on their second try after Tyrone Peachey redeemed himself
Ryan Matterson put a vicious step past Dylan Edwards to cross for the Eels. Moses converted when he chased through a deflected kick after only 60 seconds before having an effort overturned by
and Parramatta retook the lead. Off the next set, a mid-field bomb was left uncontested by the bunker.
Edwards, which saw Dylan Brown pounce to cross, although To'o caught him lacking and nearly
bombed the try, the try was confirmed and the Eels led by 8. A late try to interchange forward The gap had closed to just a converted try but an error from the kick-off gave Manly possession of the
Spencer Leniu got Penrith fans on the edge of their seats, but Cleary missed a two-point field ball and it wasn't long before Josh Aloiai was able to get over under the posts. The conversion from in
goal which allowed Parramatta to hang on for the victory. AJ LUCANTONIO front pushed the margin back to 12.
Ben Trbojevic added a second as he was able to just get the ball to the line after the Tigers defence
was caught out. Garrick added the conversion to extend the lead to three converted tries.
The Tigers weren't done with yet adding a try to Englishman Oliver Gildart but a missed conversion
put any hopes of a comeback to bed. Both sides added tries in the final five minutes with Reuben
Garrick scoring a double for the Sea Eagles whilst Joe Ofahengaue scored just before full time for the
Tigers. JOSH ROBERTSON
LEAGUEUNLIMITED.COM | THE FRONT ROW | VOL 3 ISSUE 12 | 9
THE WRAP NRL 2022 ROUND 9
SATURDAY 7 MAY, 5:30PM SATURDAY 7 MAY, 7:35PM
SYDNEY 44 GOLD COAST 16 NORTH QUEENSLAND 36 NEWCASTLE 16
SCORERS SCORERS
SYDNEY ROOSTERS (44) Tries: James Tedesco (3), Joseph Suaalii (2), Siosiua Taukeiaho, Daniel NORTH QUEENSLAND COWBOYS (36) Tries: Tom Dearden, Valentine Holmes, Kyle Feldt, Murray
Tupou (2); Conversions: Sam Walker (5/6), Paul Momirovski (1/2) def GOLD COAST TITANS (16) Taulagi, Jeremiah Nanai, Heilum Luki; Conversions: Valentine Holmes (6/6) def NEWCASTLE KNIGHTS
Tries: Beau Fermor, Sam Lisone, Herman Ese'ese; Conversions: Toby Sexton (2/3); Penalty (16) Tries: Dominic Young, Jacob Saifiti, Chris Randall; Conversions: Kalyn Ponga (2/3)
Goals: Toby Sexton (0/1)
MATCH INFORMATION MATCH INFORMATION
Venue: BB Print Stadium; Crowd: 5527; Halftime Score: Sydney 24 Gold Coast 10; Venue: Queensland Country Bank Stadium; Crowd: 14463; Halftime Score: North Queensland 12
LeagueUnlimited.com Players of the Match: 3 points - James Tedesco, 2 points - Luke Keary, 1 Newcastle 16; LeagueUnlimited.com Players of the Match: 3 points - Chad Townsend, 2 points -
points - Joseph Manu Reuben Cotter, 1 points - Kalyn Ponga
FINAL TEAMLISTS FINAL TEAMLISTS
SYDNEY: 1. James Tedesco 2. Daniel Tupou 3. Paul Momirovski 4. Joseph NORTH QLD: 1. Scott Drinkwater 2. Kyle Feldt 3. Valentine Holmes 4. Peta Hiku
Manu 5. Joseph Suaalii 6. Sam Walker 7. Luke Keary 8. Jared Waerea- 5. Murray Taulagi 6. Tom Dearden 7. Chad Townsend 8. Jordan McLean 9. Reece
Hargreaves 9. Sam Verrills 10. Lindsay Collins 11. Angus Crichton 16. Nat Robson 10. Reuben Cotter 11. Tom Gilbert 12. Jeremiah Nanai 13. Jason Taumalolo
Butcher 13. Victor Radley INTERCHANGE 14. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow 15. Heilum Luki 16. Coen Hess 17. Griffin
INTERCHANGE 12. Sitili Tupouniua 14. Drew Hutchison 15. Fletcher Baker Neame 18TH PLAYER 18. Jamayne Taunoa-Brown
17. Siosiua Taukeiaho 18TH PLAYER 18. Lachlan Lam
GOLD COAST: 1. AJ Brimson 2. Greg Marzhew 3. Brian Kelly 4. Patrick NEWCASTLE: 1. Kalyn Ponga 2. Edrick Lee 3. Enari Tuala 4. Bradman Best
Herbert 5. Corey Thompson 6. Will Smith 7. Toby Sexton 8. Moeaki 5. Dominic Young 6. Tex Hoy 7. Phoenix Crossland 8. David Klemmer 9.
Fotuaika 9. Erin Clark 10. Isaac Liu 11. Kevin Proctor 12. Beau Fermor 13. Chris Randall 10. Daniel Saifiti 14. Jack Johns 12. Lachlan Fitzgibbon 13. Leo
Tino Fa'asuamaleaui Thompson
INTERCHANGE 14. Tanah Boyd 15. Sam Lisone 16. Herman Ese'ese 17. Sam INTERCHANGE 15. Jacob Saifiti 16. Mathew Croker 17. Pasami Saulo 18. Simi
McIntyre 18TH PLAYER 18. Jamayne Isaako Sasagi 18TH PLAYER 21. Brayden Musgrove
MIGHTY ROOSTERS TOO MUCH FOR STRUGGLING TITANS COWBOYS ASSERT DOMINANCE OVER DEPLETED KNIGHTS
It was the James Tedesco show as the Roosters defeated the Titans by 28 points North Queensland have come back from a poor first half to defeat a depleted Newcastle Knights side
36-16 at Queensland Country Bank Stadium and maintain their place as one of the most improved
It was a strange old first half in Mackay between the Sydney Roosters and the Gold Coast teams in 2022.
Titans. The Titans started off in the best way possible, with a try in the second minute after
an error from Joseph Suaalii gave Beau Fermor a chance to give his side the lead. It took the Newcastle was up against it with four changes midweek, before a gameday withdrawal of Tyson
Roosters just four minutes to equalise through James Tedesco. The Roosters performed a Frizell with a 'non-COVID' illness. Their start was appalling with poor discipline leading to the
sweeping play to the right with Luke Keary digging into the line, which gave Tedesco room game's opening try. Tom Dearden continued his great form by taking the ball to the line and with
to move before he passed the ball to Manu, who broke a few tackles before returning the momentum, Dearden found the line and with Holmes conversion, the Cowboys had an early lead.
ball back on his inside for Tedesco to score his 100th try in the NRL. The game ebbed and
flowed for a bit with errors from both sides until Lindsay Collins was sent to the sin-bin for Newcastle worked their way back into the game and thanks to the magic work of Kalyn Ponga, he
a shoulder charge on Corey Thompson. The Titans trailed by just two points and this was tapped it onto Dom Young and the winger crossed for the Knights first try in 193 minutes.
a good an opportunity as any to get back in front. However, the Titans failed to take their
opportunity and the Roosters started to gain some momentum and score minutes later as Ponga's missed kick saw them trail by two points. Fifteen minutes later, a lovely ball from Scott
they moved the ball down the right edge in similar fashion to their first try. This time it was Drinkwater over the head of Edrick Lee found Kyle Feldt and Feldt continued his recent try-scoring
Tedesco who took the line on and scored with ease as he broke through the Titans defence for form to lead 12-4.
his second try. The Roosters kept their foot on the pedal as Joseph Suaalii was able to redeem
himself after a blunder that led to the Titans first try. The Roosters once again attacked Newcastle had the perfect entry into half-time with two quickfire tries. First was when Ponga
down the right edge before Keary through a cut out ball to his winger who barged his way placed a perfect grubber kick for Jacob Saifiti which came off the post and the Knights were trailing
over to score in the corner. A few sets later the Roosters grabbed their fourth try. They once by just two points.
again went down the right edge on last tackle and with Taukeiaho at first receiver, the Titans
weren't expecting anything special. The forward through the dummy and then burrowed his Minutes later, it was a great leadup play from Tex Hoy who got it away to Chris Randall who
way over. Sam Walker made his fourth consecutive sideline conversion to put the Roosters up burrowed over to score and the Knights had a shock 16-12 lead at half-time.
by 20 points. However, the Titans were able to grab a try just before the half-time break as a
Will Smith kick ricochet off Angus Crichton and fell at the feet of Sam Lisone who picked the North Queensland had the perfect start to the second half when they piled on two quick
ball up and ran it over the try line to bring the Titans within 14 at the half time break. unanswered tries in a rather bizarre fashion. Chad Townsend misfired the kick, but Murray Taulagi
caught it and went through a gap bigger than Sydney Heads and the Cowboys tied the game back
The Titans came out of the blocks in perfect fashion. They got on the scoresheet first as up, with Holmes' conversion, North Queensland regained a slender two-point advantage.
Herman Ese'ese barged his way over for the Titans third try. Unfortunately, for the Titans,
this was as close as they were going to get to the Roosters. The game went without a try Off the next set, no one wanted the ball on the last tackle, but they shifted it right, and the
for the next 20 minutes until an intercept from Sam Walker swung the momentum in the Cowboys hit the Knights with the double whammy. Newcastle fell asleep on the right-hand side and
Roosters direction. Moments later, Luke Keary delivered a pin-point kick to his winger, Daniel Holmes crossed and converted his try to lead by 8.
Tupou who leapt high and brought the ball down to score in the corner. The Roosters couldn't
be stopped now. They took no time in getting back down into the Titans own end and they Jeremiah Nanai might have a stint on Dancing with the Stars in the off-season, after showcasing
decided to attack down that right flank once again. Tedesco received the ball at first receiver, his silky skills by stepping past multiple Knights defenders after his trademark bomb take and the
tucked the ball under his wing and charged through a tackle to score his third of the night, Knights were imploding.
just his fourth hattrick in the NRL. The ‘home' side marched their way back down into Titans'
territory as the Titans continued to fail at preventing the Roosters from gaining territory. The Cowboys finished their air-raid when Heilum Luki took an uncontested bomb and ran it around
This time, the Roosters attack down the left flank and it was Keary's halves partner, Sam under the post to give us the final score of 36-16.
Walker who delivered the try this time with a great pass over the top of the Titans defence
which found Tupou who scored in the corner for his second. The Titans unfortunately put the Newcastle has now lost seven on the trot, they open the NRL's Magic Round when they take on the
following kick-off out on the full, allowing the Roosters entry into their own end once again. Bulldogs. Whilst the Cowboys close out the weekend with a dual with the Tigers. AJ LUCANTONIO
They followed the trend of the match and attacked the Titans right-edge defence again and
came up with another try as a Keary cut out ball found Suaalii on the wing, who charged for
the corner and scored gracefully for his second try of the night. The Roosters turned it on
tonight and that'll hurt Titans' fans. There will be plenty of talk about their performance on
the Gold Coast this week as they still managed to have a fair share of the ball but failed to
convert that into any points, just as their opponents did. LACHY MACCORQUODALE
10 | LEAGUEUNLIMITED.COM | THE FRONT ROW | VOL 3 ISSUE 12SUNDAY 8 MAY, 2:00PM SUNDAY 8 MAY, 4:05PM
MELBOURNE 42 ST GEORGE ILLAWARRA 6 CRONULLA-SUTHERLAND 39 WARRIORS 10
SCORERS SCORERS
MELBOURNE STORM (42) Tries: Ryan Papenhuyzen (2), Nick Meaney, Jahrome Hughes, CRONULLA-SUTHERLAND SHARKS (29) Tries: Nicho Hynes, Teig Wilton, Connor Tracey (2), Jesse
Cameron Munster, Nelson Asofa-Solomona, Trent Loiero; Conversions: Ryan Papenhuyzen Ramien; Field Goals: Nicho Hynes (1/1); Conversions: Nicho Hynes (4/5) def WARRIORS (10) Tries:
(2/2), Nick Meaney (4/5); Penalty Goals: Ryan Papenhuyzen (0/1), Nick Meaney (1/1) def ST Dallin Watene-Zelezniak, Viliami Vailea; Conversions: Reece Walsh (1/2)
GEORGE ILLAWARRA DRAGONS (6) Tries: Jack de Belin; Conversions: Zac Lomax (1/1)
MATCH INFORMATION MATCH INFORMATION
Venue: AAMI Park; Crowd: 11723; Halftime Score: Melbourne 12 St George Illawarra 0; Venue: PointsBet Stadium; Crowd: 9915; Halftime Score: Cronulla-Sutherland 12 Warriors 10;
LeagueUnlimited.com Players of the Match: 3 points - Cameron Munster, 2 points - Nick LeagueUnlimited.com Players of the Match: 3 points - Nicho Hynes, 2 points - Dale Finucane, 1 points
Meaney, 1 points - Harry Grant - Teig Wilton
FINAL TEAMLISTS FINAL TEAMLISTS
MELBOURNE: 1. Ryan Papenhuyzen 2. Nick Meaney 3. Reimis Smith 4. CRONULLA: 1. Will Kennedy 2. Sione Katoa 3. Jesse Ramien 4. Siosifa Talakai 22.
Justin Olam 5. Xavier Coates 6. Cameron Munster 7. Jahrome Hughes Connor Tracey 6. Matt Moylan 7. Nicho Hynes 8. Toby Rudolf 9. Blayke Brailey 13.
8. Jesse Bromwich 9. Harry Grant 10. Nelson Asofa-Solomona 11. Felise Dale Finucane 11. Briton Nikora 12. Teig Wilton 15. Cameron McInnes
Kaufusi 12. Kenny Bromwich 13. Josh King INTERCHANGE 10. Aiden Tolman 14. Jack Williams 16. Wade Graham 19. Andrew
INTERCHANGE 14. Brandon Smith 15. Tyran Wishart 16. Trent Loiero 18. Fifita 18TH PLAYER 21. Mawene Hiroti
Chris Lewis 18TH PLAYER 17. Jordan Grant
ST GEO ILLA: 1. Moses Mbye 2. Mathew Feagai 3. Moses Suli 4. Zac WARRIORS: 1. Reece Walsh 2. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak 3. Viliami Vailea 4.
Lomax 5. Mikaele Ravalawa 14. Talatau Amone 7. Ben Hunt 8. Francis Rocco Berry 5. Adam Pompey 6. Daejarn Asi 7. Shaun Johnson 8. Addin Fonua-
Molo 9. Andrew McCullough 11. Tariq Sims 6. Jack Bird 12. Josh Mcguire Blake 9. Wayde Egan 10. Matt Lodge 11. Euan Aitken 12. Eliesa Katoa 13. Jazz
13. Jack de Belin Tevaga
INTERCHANGE 15. Blake Lawrie 16. Aaron Woods 17. Tyrell Fuimaono 18. INTERCHANGE 14. Jack Murchie 15. Ben Murdoch-Masila 16. Bunty Afoa 17.
Jayden Sullivan 18TH PLAYER 20. Jack Gosiewski Aaron Pene 18TH PLAYER 18. Bayley Sironen
STORM DOMINANCE SENDS THEM TO THE TOP STOIC SHARKS EMBARRASS DISGRACEFUL WARRIORS
The Melbourne Storm have confirmed their spot back on top of the NRL ladder with a dominant The Cronulla Sharks spent almost an hour playing with 12 men - and a further 10 minutes when down
42-6 win over the St George Illawarra Dragons. to 11 men later - due to Will Kennedy getting sent off and Jesse Ramien sin binned, yet they not only
held on, but increased their lead while defending heroically to belt the Warriors 29-10 at Pointsbet
In an even first half, the Dragons were matching it early on with the home side though it was Stadium.
the Storm who crossed for what looked to be two tries only to have them overturned by the
bunker with the first ruled out for an obstruction whilst the second was ruled to have been The Sharks opened the scoring in the 7th minute when Jesse Ramien made a break down the right
a knock-on. side, before getting a good ball inside to Will Kennedy who then drew the defender before linking
with Nicho Hynes who raced 30 metres to score. Hynes converted his try.
A missed penalty goal attempt from Ryan Papenhuyzen also cost Melbourne a chance to take
and early lead whilst the Dragons had an effort denied by the bunker when Mikaele Ravalawa In the 17th minute Reece Walsh stepped Kennedy, who then flung out his arm and collected Walsh
grounded the ball on the touch in-goal line. with a sloppy coat hanger. Walsh was unaffected and got straight to his feet, but the referee did not
hesitate in sending off Kennedy.
The Storm opened the scoring after 20 minutes when Ryan Papenhuyzen went himself at the
line and scored and it was third time lucky for the Storm. Extending their lead ten minutes In the set following Kennedy's dismissal, the Warriors swung the ball right, taking advantage of
later, the Storm pounced on an error from the Dragons and turned defence into attack racing the extra man advantage they had, leading to a try to Dallin Watene-Zelezniak in the corner. Walsh
away to score through Nick Meaney. failed to convert from out wide.
It might have been a tight affair in the first half, but it was anything but in the second half as Four minutes later the Warriors took the lead when Walsh received an offload, ran around to the
the Melbourne Storm turned on the style and flair in the second half. left and through a gap, before he was ankle-tapped by Sione Katoa. As Walsh fell forward he got a
good offload away to Daejarn Asi, who grubbered to the left side where Viliami Vailea got a good
A careless play from the Dragons yet again put the Storm onto the attack and it was Nick bounce and scored out wide. Walsh converted from out wide to give the Warriors a 10-6 lead.
Meaney who set things up kicking infield for a hobbling Ryan Papenhuyzen to chase through
and score. Papenhuyzen left the field with a hamstring injury to go with a knee injury so The Sharks hit back 9 minutes before halftime when Tieg Wilton received a lovely flat ball in the
Meaney took over the conversion duties successfully. line, he hit the line and spun before crashing over for a good try. Hynes converted to give the
Sharks a 2 point lead.
Adding a penalty go to 20 ahead, the Storm didn't stop with the scoring as some great work
from Cam Munster to find Jahrome Hughes in open space with a pinpoint kick after Xavier Six minutes after play resumed from the halftime break, Hynes skipped clear of a tackle, passed
Coates kept the ball alive. to Siosifa Talakai, who drew the cover defender before getting a lovely ball to Connor Tracey who
scored untouched in the corner. Hynes failed to convert from out wide.
The Dragons defence had been exhausted by the Storm who were able to make easy metres
up field and Cam Munster used the fragility as he ran hard and straight at the line to score. In the 55th minute Jesse Ramien was sent to the sin bin after he hit Euan Aitken with a shoulder
The Storm then did the same thing a few minutes later when Nelson Asofa-Solomona was able charge to the head, which resulted in Aitken leaving the field for an HIA which he ultimately failed.
to charge over at the line.
The Sharks dominated possession and field position for the following ten minutes, denying the
The Storm held a 36-0 lead when the Dragons were able to get a consolation try through Jack Warriors a chance to get back into the game despite having 2 extra men on the field.
De Belin.
Shortly after Ramien returned to the field, the Sharks crossed again when Hynes threw a long,
Melbourne put the cherry on top when Trent Loiero charged through to score from close looping ball over the top to Tracey, who ran in and around to score nearer to the posts. Hynes
range. converted.
The victory takes the Storm to the top of the NRL ladder on points difference ahead of the In the 74th minute Hynes calmly potted a field goal to give the Sharks a 13 point lead.
Panthers who the Storm meet at Magic Round on Saturday night whilst the Dragons take on
the Titans. JOSH ROBERTSON But the misery didn't end there for the Warriors as Hynes sent Ramien in for a try, which he
converted to give the Sharks an impressive and dominant 19 point victory. ANDREW FERGUSON
LEAGUEUNLIMITED.COM | THE FRONT ROW | VOL 3 ISSUE 12 | 11FRIDAY 13 MAY 2022
THE PROGRAMME NRL ROUND 10 GAME DAY COMPANION
TEAM LISTS · MATCH DETAILS & STATS · PREVIEWS
CANTERBURY-BANKSTOWN BULLDOGS
v NEWCASTLE KNIGHTS
SUNCORP STADIUM, 6:00PM
MANLY-WARRINGAH SEA EAGLES
v BRISBANE BRONCOS
SUNCORP STADIUM, 8:05PM
SATURDAY 14 MAY 2022
WARRIORS v
SOUTH SYDNEY RABBITOHS
SUNCORP STADIUM, 3:00PM
GOLD COAST TITANS v
ST GEORGE ILLAWARRA DRAGONS
SUNCORP STADIUM, 5:30PM
MELBOURNE STORM
v PENRITH PANTHERS
SUNCORP STADIUM, 7:45PM
SUNDAY 15 MAY 2022
CRONULLA-SUTHERLAND SHARKS
v CANBERRA RAIDERS
SUNCORP STADIUM, 1:50PM
SYDNEY ROOSTERS v
PARRAMATTA EELS
SUNCORP STADIUM, 4:05PM
WESTS TIGERS v
NORTH QUEENSLAND COWBOYS
SUNCORP STADIUM, 6:25PM
MATCH REVIEW & JUDICIARY NRL ROUND 9
Player Club Grade Charge Base 2022 Offence Guilty Early plea Plea Result
Joe STIMSON Canterbury 1 Dangerous Contact $1500 1st $1500 $1000 Guilty - early plea $1000
Tevita PANGAI JUNIOR Canterbury 1 Contrary Conduct $1500 1st $1500 $1000 Guilty - early plea $1000
Jeremy MARSHALL-KING Canterbury 1 Dangerous Contact $1500 1st $1500 $1000 Guilty - early plea $1000
Ryan MATTERSON Parramatta 1 Contrary Conduct $1500 1st $1500 $1000 Guilty - early plea $1000
Lindsay COLLINS Sydney 2 Careless High Tackle 2 matches 1st 2 matches 1 match Guilty - early plea 1 match
Tom GILBERT North Queensland 1 Careless High Tackle $1500 2nd $2500 $1800 Guilty - early plea $1800
Francis MOLO St George Illawarra 1 Crusher Tackle $2000 2nd 2 matches $3000 Guilty - early plea $3000
Will KENNEDY Cronulla 3 Careless High Tackle 3 matches 1st 3 matches 2 matches Guilty - early plea 2 matches
Jesse RAMIEN Cronulla 3 Careless High Tackle 3 matches 2nd 4 matches 3 matches Guilty - early plea 3 matches
Toby RUDOLF Cronulla 1 Crusher Tackle $2000 1st $2000 $1500 Guilty - early plea $1500
12 | LEAGUEUNLIMITED.COM | THE FRONT ROW | VOL 3 ISSUE 12NRL 2022 LADDER & STATS AFTER ROUND 9
PREMIERSHIP LADDER Home Away Total
Pos Team P W L D F A PD P W L D F A PD P W L D F A Pts PD
1. Melbourne Storm 6 5 1 - 229 76 +153 3 3 - - 106 34 +72 9 8 1 - 335 110 16 +225
2. Penrith Panthers 6 5 1 - 188 78 +110 3 3 - - 70 32 +38 9 8 1 - 258 110 16 +148
3. North Queensland Cowboys 5 3 2 - 100 60 +40 4 3 1 - 115 53 +62 9 6 3 - 215 113 12 +102
4. Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks 5 5 - - 129 52 +77 4 1 3 - 80 86 -6 9 6 3 - 209 138 12 +71
5. Parramatta Eels 4 2 2 - 104 98 +6 5 4 1 - 131 84 +47 9 6 3 - 235 182 12 +53
6. Sydney Roosters 4 3 1 - 98 62 +36 5 2 3 - 92 82 +10 9 5 4 - 190 144 10 +46
7. Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles 4 4 - - 100 58 +42 5 1 4 - 92 134 -42 9 5 4 - 192 192 10 +0
8. Brisbane Broncos 5 3 2 - 93 87 +6 4 2 2 - 66 82 -16 9 5 4 - 159 169 10 -10
9. South Sydney Rabbitohs 5 4 1 - 140 98 +42 4 - 4 - 52 75 -23 9 4 5 - 192 173 8 +19
10. Warriors 4 3 1 - 82 78 +4 5 1 4 - 68 153 -85 9 4 5 - 150 231 8 -81
11. St George Illawarra Dragons 5 3 2 - 75 90 -15 4 1 3 - 60 130 -70 9 4 5 - 135 220 8 -85
12. Canberra Raiders 5 3 2 - 90 93 -3 4 - 4 - 38 108 -70 9 3 6 - 128 201 6 -73
13. Wests Tigers 3 1 2 - 51 64 -13 6 1 5 - 63 132 -69 9 2 7 - 114 196 4 -82
14. Gold Coast Titans 4 2 2 - 52 68 -16 5 - 5 - 88 156 -68 9 2 7 - 140 224 4 -84
15. Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs 3 1 2 - 38 60 -22 6 1 5 - 52 145 -93 9 2 7 - 90 205 4 -115
16. Newcastle Knights 4 1 3 - 36 123 -87 5 1 4 - 72 119 -47 9 2 7 - 108 242 4 -134
TOP TRYSCORERS TOP POINTSCORERS AVG HOME CROWD
Rank Player Team P T Rank Player Team P T G FG Pts Club Average
1 Ryan PAPENHUYZEN Melbourne 9 12 1 Ryan PAPENHUYZEN Melbourne 9 12 39 1 127 Brisbane 26,651
2 Xavier COATES Melbourne 8 10 2 Valentine HOLMES North Qld 9 4 35 1 87 Parramatta 22,086
Taylan MAY Penrith 7 10 3 Mitchell MOSES Parramatta 9 3 33 1 79 Penrith 19,798
4 Jahrome HUGHES Melbourne 9 7 4 Reuben GARRICK Manly 9 5 28 - 76 Newcastle 18,438
Jeremiah NANAI North Qld 9 7 5 Nicho HYNES Cronulla 9 2 27 2 64 South Sydney 17,253
Corey OATES Brisbane 9 7 6 Nathan CLEARY Penrith 6 1 26 - 56 Melbourne 15,517
7 Adam REYNOLDS Brisbane 8 3 21 - 54 Manly 15,622
Sam WALKER Sydney 9 2 23 - 54 North Qld 14,689
TOP GOALKICKERS 9 Stephen CRICHTON Penrith 9 6 13 - 50 St Geo Illa 14,351
Rank Player Team P G Att % 10 Reece WALSH Warriors 8 - 24 - 48 Canberra 12,856
1 Ryan PAPENHUYZEN Melbourne 9 39 47 83% 11 Blake TAAFFE Souths 5 1 21 - 46 Gold Coast 12,709
2 Valentine HOLMES North Qld 9 35 43 81% 12 Zac LOMAX St Geo Illa 9 1 20 1 45 Sydney 12,616
3 Mitchell MOSES Parramatta 9 33 42 79% 13 Nick MEANEY Melbourne 8 6 10 - 44 Canterbury 11,385
4 Reuben GARRICK Manly 9 28 35 80% 14 Xavier COATES Melbourne 8 10 - - 40 Wests Tigers 10,486
5 Nicho HYNES Cronulla 9 27 42 64% Taylan MAY Penrith 7 10 - - 40 Cronulla 10,282
6 Nathan CLEARY Penrith 6 26 33 79% 16 Brad SCHNEIDER Canberra 8 - 18 - 36 Warriors 7,400
7 Reece WALSH Warriors 8 24 27 89% 17 Jake CLIFFORD Newcastle 8 2 12 - 32
8 Sam WALKER Sydney 9 23 32 72% Clinton GUTHERSON Parramatta 9 6 4 - 32
9 Blake TAAFFE Souths 5 21 24 88% Toby SEXTON Gold Coast 9 - 16 - 32
Adam REYNOLDS Brisbane 8 21 26 81%
+ denotes 2 point field goal
Statistics provided by
LEAGUEUNLIMITED.COM | THE FRONT ROW | VOL 3 ISSUE 12 | 132022 NRL MAGIC ROUND BRISBANE
TELSTRA PREMIERSHIP ROUND 10
CANTERBURY-BANKSTOWN NEWCASTLE
BULLDOGS KNIGHTS
Age P T G FG Pts Age P T G FG Pts
26 9 1 - - 4 Matthew DUFTY 1 FULLBACK 1 Kalyn PONGA 24 7 2 2 - 12
26 7 1 - - 4 Brent NADEN 2 WING 2 Edrick LEE 29 4 - - - -
21 7 - - - - Jake AVERILLO 3 CENTRE 3 Enari TUALA 23 9 3 - - 12
20 5 - - - - Aaron SCHOUPP 4 CENTRE 4 Bradman BEST 20 9 2 - - 8
26 9 5 - - 20 Josh ADDO-CARR 5 WING 5 Dominic YOUNG 20 6 4 - - 16
22 9 1 6 - 16 Matt BURTON 6 FIVE-EIGHTH 6 Tex HOY 22 3 1 - - 4
23 5 - 5 - 10 Kyle FLANAGAN 7 HALFBACK 7 Adam CLUNE 26 7 - - - -
27 9 - - - - Luke THOMPSON 8 FRONT ROW 8 David KLEMMER 28 5 - - - -
26 9 2 - - 8 Jeremy MARSHALL-KING 9 HOOKER 9 Chris RANDALL 26 9 1 - - 4
31 9 - - - - Paul VAUGHAN 10 FRONT ROW 10 Daniel SAIFITI 26 7 - - - -
25 8 - - - - Corey WADDELL 11 SECOND ROW 11 Mitchell BARNETT 28 3 - - - -
26 8 1 - - 4 Tevita PANGAI JUNIOR 12 SECOND ROW 12 Lachlan FITZGIBBON 28 3 - - - -
31 8 - - - - Josh JACKSON 13 LOCK 13 Leo THOMPSON 21 9 - - - -
20 7 - - - - Bailey BIONDI-ODO 14 INTERCHANGE 14 Phoenix CROSSLAND 21 9 - - - -
26 6 1 - - 4 Joe STIMSON 15 15 Jacob SAIFITI 26 9 1 - - 4
25 9 - - - - Max KING 16 16 Pasami SAULO 23 1 - - - -
20 4 - - - - Chris PATOLO 17 17 Matt CROKER 22 3 - - - -
22 - - - - - Josh COOK 19 RESERVES 18 Simi SASAGI 21 4 - - - -
20 - - - - - Jackson TOPINE 20 19 Sauaso SUE 30 4 - - - -
23 4 1 - - 4 Brandon WAKEHAM 21 20 Braydon MUSGROVE 24 - - - - -
25 4 2 - - 8 Jayden OKUNBOR 22 21 Jaron PURCELL 21 - - - - -
28 - - - - - Raymond FAITALA-MARINER 23 22 Krystian MAPAPALANGI 19 - - - - -
18 - - - - - Paul ALAMOTI 24 23 Kobe RUGLESS 20 - - - - -
30 6 - - - - Ava SEUMANUFAGAI 25 24 Ben TALTY 23 - - - - -
Trent BARRETT COACH Adam O'BRIEN
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 PENALTIES 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 SCRUMS 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16
14 | LEAGUEUNLIMITED.COM | THE FRONT ROW | VOL 3 ISSUE 12#NRLBULLDOGSKNIGHTS THE PREVIEW
with Emile El-Azar
MATCH DETAILS Magic Round time! One of the true highlights of the NRL season, and I personally can't wait to get
DATE Friday 13 May 2022 up to Brisbane for it to savour every minute of every game.
KICKOFF 6:00PM AEST
Kicking off this festival of Rugby League is the battle for the bottom, The Canterbury Bankstown
VENUE Suncorp Stadium Bulldogs up against the Newcastle Knight, in the most appropriate of timeslots, the Friday 6pm "we
Milton QLD hate the fans" kickoff. The mere existence of this permanent timeslot is an insult to anyone that has
ever spent their hard-earned money on attending an NRL game.
WATCH Fox League & Kayo Sports
LISTEN ABC Sport, Triple M, NRL Nation, MIX Canberra The Bulldogs come into this game after one of their most pathetic performances yet, managing to
LIVE BLOG LeagueUnlimited.com play a previously hopelessly out of form Canberra back into the winners circle. The Dogs really
needed to follow up their previous week’s victory over the Sydney Roosters with another strong
performance, however this was not forthcoming.
MATCH OFFICIALS The Knights come into this game on the back of 7 straight losses, the latest being a 20 point loss to
REFEREE Peter GOUGH the North Queensland Cowboys. The last 3 games alone, they have lost by the combined score of
TOUCH JUDGES Belinda SHARPE 125-20, although it must be said that two of those games were against the Melbourne Storm, and
Michael WISE the March Premiers, Parramatta.
NRL BUNKER Adam GEE In team news. I give up. Bulldogs coach Trent Barrett changed a winning team, reverting it back
to the previously losing formula, that in turn put in their worst performance of the season. To
keep it on topic, only one change this week with Chris Patolo coming in for Ava Seumanufagai
HEAD TO HEAD on the bench. Otherwise, the same 13 that took the park last week get to go again ,without any
ALL 51 CANTERBURY 27 NEWCASTLE 23 DRAW 1 consequences.
SUNCORP 1 MATCH: CANTERBURY 0 NEWCASTLE 1 For Newcastle, Adam Clune and Mitchell Barnett come straight back into the starting lineup, who
will both be welcome returns. Edrick Lee is selected, however will need to pass NRL concussion
protocols to take his place. The only real change to the starting 13 for Newcastle is at halfback.
LAST FIVE MEETINGS
2019 R9 Newcastle 22-10 Suncorp, 12646 Last time these 2 teams met was in Round 23 of 2021, on the Gold Coast (of course), with the
Knights running out 22-16 winners. Of note that there are only 5 Bulldogs survivors from the
2019 R17 Canterbury 20-14 McD Jones, 17757 starting lineup that day, and 6 Knights survivors.
2020 R11 Canterbury 18-12 McD Jones, 3521
2021 R1 Newcastle 32-16 McD Jones, 19555 Of interest is to see which of these two teams really want this win, it actually may be an enthralling
2021 R23 Newcastle 22-16 Cbus Super, 2343 matchup of two desperate teams. The skill levels and fitness levels may be low, but I’m intrigued to
see what they can serve up to kick off Magic Round.
FAVOURITE: At the time of writing, Canterbury was $1.71 favourites.
BIGGEST WINS
1995 R13 Newcastle 42-0 McD Jones, 25229 MY TIP: I’ve seen too much of Canterbury and I know what’s going to happen here. Congratulations
2004 R25 Canterbury 52-6 Stadium Aus, 20043 Newcastle fans, your team will be played right back into form after an awful last 7 weeks. Enjoy it.
Newcastle by 10.
NOTABLES
Billy TSIKRIKAS (CBY) turns 27 on May 11
Trent BARRETT (CBY) currently has the worst coaching record among
current NRL coaches, winning only 32.1% of 106 matches (CBY & MAN)
NEXT WEEK: ROUND 11 TEAMLIST TUESDAY
CANTERBURY play WESTS TIGERS at LEICHHARDT, Fri 6:00pm ALL THE GRADES, IN ONE SPOT
NEWCASTLE host BRISBANE at McDONALD JONES, Thu 7:50pm
Before they go in this magazine, teamlists for every grade, every
Match stats courtesy of
week appear on LeagueUnlimited.com - including:
• NRL
• Super League
• Championship
• NSW KOE Cup
• Jersey Flegg
• Harvey Norman Women's Premiership
• Ron Massey Cup
• Sydney Shield
• Hostplus Cup
• Hastings Deering Colts
• BMD Premiership
LEAGUEUNLIMITED.COM | THE FRONT ROW | VOL 3 ISSUE 12 | 152022 NRL MAGIC ROUND BRISBANE
TELSTRA PREMIERSHIP ROUND 10
MANLY-WARRINGAH BRISBANE
SEA EAGLES BRONCOS
Age P T G FG Pts Age P T G FG Pts
25 5 2 - - 8 Tom TRBOJEVIC 1 FULLBACK 1 Te Maire MARTIN 26 3 - - - -
21 5 3 - - 12 Christian TUIPULOTU 2 WING 2 Corey OATES 27 9 7 - - 28
20 2 2 - - 8 Ben TRBOJEVIC 3 CENTRE 3 Kotoni STAGGS 23 9 3 1 - 14
19 6 - - - - Tolutau KOULA 4 CENTRE 4 Herbie FARNWORTH 22 8 6 - - 24
24 9 5 28 - 76 Reuben GARRICK 5 WING 5 Selwyn COBBO 19 9 4 - - 16
31 9 2 - - 8 Kieran FORAN 6 FIVE-EIGHTH 6 Tyson GAMBLE 25 3 - - - -
33 9 3 1 2 16 Daly CHERRY-EVANS 7 HALFBACK 7 Adam REYNOLDS 31 8 3 21 - 54
26 4 1 - - 4 Josh ALOIAI 8 FRONT ROW 8 Corey JENSEN 28 6 - - - -
25 9 1 - - 4 Lachlan CROKER 9 HOOKER 9 Billy WALTERS 28 9 - - - -
23 8 - - - - Sean KEPPIE 10 FRONT ROW 10 Payne HAAS 22 7 - - - -
23 7 5 - - 20 Haumole OLAKAU'ATU 11 SECOND ROW 11 Kurt CAPEWELL 28 7 1 - 1 5
22 6 1 - - 4 Ethan BULLEMOR 12 SECOND ROW 12 Jordan RIKI 22 8 - - - -
28 9 - - - - Jake TRBOJEVIC 13 LOCK 13 Patrick CARRIGAN 24 5 - - - -
27 8 - - - - Dylan WALKER 14 INTERCHANGE 14 Cory PAIX 22 5 1 - - 4
30 6 1 - - 4 Andrew DAVEY 15 15 Kobe HETHERINGTON 23 8 - - - -
32 7 - - - - Martin TAUPAU 16 16 Thomas FLEGLER 22 4 - - - -
27 5 - - - - Toafofoa SIPLEY 17 17 Keenan PALASIA 25 9 - - - -
26 1 - - - - Kurt DE LUIS 18 RESERVES 18 Brenko LEE 26 1 - - - -
23 7 2 - - 8 Morgan HARPER 19 19 TC ROBATI 20 6 - - - -
20 - - - - - Kaeo WEEKES 20 20 Rhys KENNEDY 27 5 1 - - 4
22 - - - - - James ROUMANOS 21 21 Ezra MAM 19 - - - - -
21 1 - - - - Josh SCHUSTER 22 22 Jordan PEREIRA 29 - - - - -
19 - - - - - Jamie HUMPHREYS 23 23 Ryan JAMES 30 6 - - - -
- - - - - - Jacob SYKES 24 24 Jake TURPIN 25 6 - - - -
Des HASLER COACH Kevin WALTERS
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 PENALTIES 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 SCRUMS 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16
16 | LEAGUEUNLIMITED.COM | THE FRONT ROW | VOL 3 ISSUE 12You can also read
